ROCKFORD, IL – Due to current unseasonable weather conditions, the 19th Puma Champions Cup soccer tournament, hosted by Rockford Raptors F.C. at Mercyhealth Sportscore complexes in Rockford and Loves Park has been cancelled. Tournament was expected to take place Friday – Sunday, April 13-15 with most of the tournament games expected to take place Saturday and Sunday.

The Puma Champions Cup is a competition for 552 teams representing mid to lower level boys’ and girls’ teams in the U8–U19 age range. Teams were expected to travel to the region from Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan and Canada. All teams have been notified of the tournament cancellation.

“The weekend forecast calls for high winds, rain, snow and extremely cold winter-like temperatures which unfortunately prompted the very tough decision to cancel the tournament this weekend. The safety of the players and all folks involved is a top priority to us,” said Frank Mateus, Rockford Raptors F.C. executive director and co-founder. “Many players, coaches, and fans travel to our region from far and wide to take part in the Puma Cup, so it was key to notify those teams today.”

Additional information related to the tournament can be found at www.rockfordraptors.org.

Rockford Raptors FC is a Puma Premier Soccer Club located in Rockford, Illinois. This club was established in 1994 as one professional team in the former USISL (now called USL, a second division league below MLS) with the help of Dr. Wedgbury. The sole purpose was to create quality soccer training opportunities for Rockford’s youth. It is also responsible for providing $70,000 in scholarships and financial aid for players and provides recreational leagues for more than 2,000 kids annually.

RACVB exists to drive quality of life and economic growth for the citizens of Rockford and Winnebago County through tourism marketing and destination development. gorockford.com

Rockford, Illinois is a world-class amateur sports town with a rich history of hosting regional and national tournaments. Located in northern Illinois, Rockford offers outstanding accessibility, affordability and adaptability.